Donner B1 Syn Bass // Could this Topple the King of Acid? // Next Gen TB303

/ starskycarr
Review and demo of the Donner B1 Synth Bass and Sequencer. It's a modern and stylish take on the classic TB303 concept. A single oscillator with squelchy filter with a much improved interface and sequencer. Its really easy to use, and has onboard distortion and delay circuits, so you've got all you need to become an Aceeeed KING!!
Use code ‘starsky’ for up to 15%OFF in Donner!
Donner B1 Analog Bass Synthesizer:
datasink.rantion-admin.com/t/MA
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► Clubbing TV From the Studio:
• From The Studio
0:00 intro
1:35 How Much does it Cost?
2:21 intro track sounds
5:13 Hardware
6:41 Interface
9:50 Overall Tone
11:34 Saturation
13:02 Delay
17:12 Sequencer
22:37 Arp
23:52 MIDI Hooking it up to a DAW
25:08 Final Thoughts

[@dankeplace]

The Donner Kebab is what you need @ 3am.

[@thomasfonager6986]

The Donner Cut?

[@Reg-Edit]

I like this, does the job and the display makes life easy Great review 😎🖐

[@RD-qn4gt]

The start of this is King!

[@marsmediapro]

Wow! This is a surprise; I wonder who makes this little beast? Intro had me rolling on the floor for the imagery, tee hee.... Thanks for sharing!

[@EchoKraft]

Great video! Love it I bought it on sale on Black Friday for$90.00 US!

[@TJ-hs1qm]

just got the b1 distorted it sounds better and beefier than my other RE-303, love it 😊

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great video Starsky! I've got the Behringer TD-3, am I crazy thinking this sounds quite different? Perhaps just the effects.

[@mymodularjourney]

I loved the intro. Very funny.

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks :)

[@K.KILLORAN]

A Josh Wink reference. Been a while since I thought about him.

[@pizzagogo6151]

Great work Starsky! Higher State! love that track😍while historically the 303 has of course led to many great accidents- but I despise the original 303 sequencer. I really do like Donners sequencer ?they could have almost I have released as hardware sequencer with a”bonus” mono synth included. It’s basic sound seems great & has some great inclusions like effects, so what’s not to like? I’m sure Like many who will see this really don’t need another 303ish mono synth, but ....for the money... it hard not to buy😊. I guess it’s their first synth so good effort & hope Donner has more affordable synths to come!

[@andkwiat]

What an intro! 😂🎉

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Great introduction 😅

[@electrosonicnebula]

Cool machine. Looks like it also rivals with the original UNO synth which had that two octave keyboard and pretty cool stripped down interface and also sounded great.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah its a great little 303 emulation. The original UNO was a much more complex synth all in all with 2 oscillators, but they sit in the same price range. For a synth I'd go with the UNO for a 303 emulation I'd go with this.

[@lars-fenin]

the build in delay sounds like the analogue one they also released as their (and a lot of clones) mini stomp box.

[@timhope9940]

Hi Starsky, love your videos as they are extremely honest. I'm a bit late on the scene with the Donner but I'm looking to purchase a cheap u it to go with my Minibrute SE, is the sequencer on the Donner transposable once it's playing? Thanks, Tim.

[@INFINITYREALM]

I like how the sequencer is easy to use. I wish Behringer had made a more intuitive modern sequencer on there emulation. Sound doesn't seem that impressive though but I'm sure it can sing, especially with effects. Waiting to get an Avalon eventually. Thanks for your reviews, and loved the comedy bit!

[@atomaalatonal]

this company is proned to release a device called DONNER SUMMA

[@GangsterNap]

Dying!! Timing is so good 🙂 👑 Aristocratic Charles Idolizes Donner 🍄

[@gru_day]

I would be great to map those knobs in some MIDI sequencing action.

[@JonathanKillstring]

This actually looks really dope: I'd been looking at maybe picking up something 303-ish, but was not really looking forward to using the classic sequencer.

[@leftmono1016]

The classic sequencer is what makes the 303 special. Takes 5 minutes to learn, especially with all the tutorials on KZbin. I promise you it’s well worth the effort. You get some very unexpected results.

[@JonathanKillstring]

@@leftmono1016 Fair enough! Especially since the entire draw of this kind of hardware (for me) is the promise of a different workflow, different experience. Possibly different results?

[@leftmono1016]

@@JonathanKillstring - definitely different results! Put in the notes you want, and then mess around with octaves, slides, rests and accents. Endless fun 😀

[@thomasfonager6986]

Eeh... the Behringer td-3 is a straight clone and costs peanuts!

[@JonathanKillstring]

@@thomasfonager6986 'tis the one I'd been looking at.

[@plutosmoon8349]

Hello My Brother Across the Pond. Hope all is well. I wanted to show you a proper thanks & show you that all of us Yanks aren't self important, ignorant, Scabies ridden twats. Just about 98% are. But I just got yhe Donner today from Amazon. I have an acoustic base & mixing board by Donner that are good reliable tools. I'm thanking you because I watched 25 video's on this & you taught me how to do more in your first 5 minutes than all the rest combined. Thank You Brother. I will share your video's & like everything & I already Subscribed. Thanks, Subset From "Happy Face Thrilla" In Orlando, FL

[@StarskyCarr]

Wow superb. That’s so kind .

[@phoenixausderholle3301]

Hello,I like your demo and I would know if it is possible to transpose every sequences in midi 5 pin by a keyboard ?a sort a following séquence in keys pressing

[@djjuno106]

I owned a tb303 may years ago and got rid of it when many did and bought the Novation bass station …but then sold it then bought the behringer td3 and out of all the similar vsts /hardware this donner sounds much better ,it’s better designed and the distortion /delay fix sound great too.. I hope donner will do a full synth one day I own a few of there pedals and there cheap but well made

[@StarskyCarr]

I’m quite fond of this. I think it’s fine under the radar, and it’s looks maybe out people off. If it looked like the original so it might get more attention, but it’s interface is so much better.

[@gapster77]

Best review of this I’ve seen so far👍🏻Interestingly others have moaned about the Delay/Reverb a little, you made it work for you, and it sounded OK to me. It’s an interesting look, not sure it looks modern? Something about it looks dated to me, but it’s very clean and organised, and more stylised than a large portion of the 303 market. I Like the 2 Octave Keyboard, and the way everything lights up in blue. I think they missed a trick with the knob placement though, all that real estate up top, they could have had bigger knobs, like the Master, for the usual suspects, it looks a little crowded to me? Seems like a solid entry into the compact synth arena for Donner, what they serving up next I wonder? Think your average Joe would find more enjoyment buying a Roland Aira Compact T-8 for similar money, it’s a simplified 303/Groovebox, and it’s a lot of fun.

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks... the delay is quite clever in that it sounds like its got an HP or BP filter so it reduces low frequencies - so it works to add a useful delay simply without muddying things. Simple but effective for a typical acid line.

[@sodiumlights]

as of 28th Dec 2022, just £99 amazon!!

[@StarskyCarr]

Wow… well worth it for that price.!

[@Civilian2.0]

Great video, very informative. One question, when you select a factory preset, change it, then save it, it overwrites the original preset? I keep reading that it has 128 presets, as well as 128 user preset locations. Slightly confusing.

[@StarskyCarr]

You save them in the user folder. The factory presets ca not be overwritten.

[@realestatecult3105]

If the music videos ever get too boring for you, a future on Dead Ringers beckons...

[@Jimbo386000]

I was missing my TD-3, but I hated using it so I didn't wanna buy it back. This however looks much better to use so I might have to buy one...

[@d.e.m.p.s.e.y]

Great video! I'm trying to figure out how to program a sequence with gaps, I don't want a not on every one of the 16 steps, how do I program a "blank" step without using the computer?

[@StarskyCarr]

Program a note then just mute it. You can turn them all on/off

[@d.e.m.p.s.e.y]

@@StarskyCarr awesome thank you!

[@fattyboombatty7736]

Nice little box, but why don't the 303 clones have a midi cc implementation?

[@StarskyCarr]

I guess it’s all about cost.

[@parismusic3590]

Nice video. Seems like the volume is low. I have seen your master all the way up and the wave form does not look like gain is enough. Is there a problem to be aware of ?

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks... no there's no issue with it - I've probably just recorded it badly!

[@parismusic3590]

@@StarskyCarr thank you very much.

[@clivepotts1273]

Hi I'm new to all this but after watching this video (OH THE NOSTALGIA OF THE ACID SQUELCH) I bought the Donner B1 I also have an MPC Live II, my question is can I connect it to my MPC and if so could you please explain, no problem if you done or it's a silly question THANKS

[@StarskyCarr]

Ive not got any MPC, but it depends what you mean by connect it... are you thinking MIDI - if so you should be able to sync them. If you want to sequence it via the MPC that should also be possible (if the MOC can seq external gear). If you mean with an audio input to sample or use FX, you can definitely sample it, but not sure bout FX.

[@clivepotts1273]

@@StarskyCarr I want to record the b1 in the MPC then add drums to the acid line

[@StarskyCarr]

@@clivepotts1273 Like I say, I've never used on, but they are samplers and are used to sample eternal audio so I don't see why not. You can't tweak the acid line once you've recorded it, but you can definitely record the audio.

[@clivepotts1273]

@@StarskyCarr ok thank you and thanks for the great videos you do, I'm new to all this synth and midi stuff but I love your videos

[@TJ-hs1qm]

Did anyone find out if it's possible to adjust the length of an existing sequence on the device? Say going from 8 to 5 steps for example.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yes, I thought I’d demo’d that tbh (some stuff gets lost in the edit). But now you’ve asked I’d have to take a look to make sure.

[@TJ-hs1qm]

@@StarskyCarr it would awesome if could shed some light onto this crucial topic 😆 let's hope they didn't skimp over this feature. thx.

[@mobith]

wish they would make a 202 clone tbh

[@middle_pickup]

Doesn't sound bad. I think I prefer the Behringer 303 though.

[@cwxdaf152]

This has been under £100 on Amazon recently, but has crept up to £109 as of today (12/08/2023.) I already have a TD-3 so couldn't justify it but it seems a decent price.

[@Player-9]

I got mine for 100 dollars brand new

[@StarskyCarr]

Worth every 💵

[@m77studio64]

2 x 15“ spot for this video. Ok.

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

Strange... my comment on this video did not show up here in the list from yesterday.... "destroyed.. by the empire" - (Ben Obi wan Kenobi)

[@StarskyCarr]

Weird there’s nothing in hidden comments (KZbin leave them for approval if there’s something possibly offensive in there).

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

@@StarskyCarr No Sir, nothing that could be remotely offensive. I posted that I was really HAPPY that finally you are getting companies to actually send you gear as a content creator. You deserve it. Maybe it was because I put my credentials afterwards, regarding my performance rights organization and the royalty collection management organization that I belong to as songwriter/composer (BMI, Inc / The MLC).. But that is again really not offensive.. very strange. Well... Again... I am glad you are doing so well. Have a great week. - MrTom

[@M1k1haus]

It's missing the 303 style sequencer. For me any 303 clone should have it, ideally alongside with a normal sequencer for non-masochists.

[@theinfideluk]

Brilliant, you had me searching for an old classic which sounded like your 303 line.. found it! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ6ZlWCMe55jqck

[@Bananskuden]

The best 303 clone is the Avalon - though much more expensive and no longer available.

[@charlesgreenberg6956]

Yehhhhh that's 1000$ 🥲

[@kierenmoore3236]

Looks like Donner stopped making these … So it should be the 303 of 2050 … 😏☺️

[@StarskyCarr]

They went down to $99 at one point, but they're still developing the software. There's now a song mode, so maybe there will be more on the way.

[@RD-qn4gt]

lololol

[@budgreenwood9359]

I got mine for £83.00 new from Donner, utter bargain !

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Roland 303 bassline was a flop originally but that is why it became so widely used in electronic music because they where sold off cheap to get rid of them end ended up in the hands of alot of low budget artists of the time.

[@leftmono1016]

Mate of mine used to sell them back in the day. Couldn’t shift ‘em, just gathered dust in the stock room.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@leftmono1016 Sounds about right, funny how things change.

[@MOOTANT1]

Acid lasted for about 18 months back in the 90s and promptly died a death because the punters didn't like it and the genre began to empty dancefloors as some DJ's played 30 tracks of Acid non-stop in the clubs which to the punter all sounded the exact same and hence the genre started to empty dance floors.. Acid today is nothing but propaganda from manufacturers and boomers still hanging out on Gearspace. I can count on one hand the amount of actually good Acid tracks. The best use of the 303 I have ever heard was Laurent Garniers Choice - Acid Eifel kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYHYcmCQqtNnqM0 It's subtle. exudes depth and emotion, it means something a lot more than twiggly low brow nonsense. As for you Mr Starsky, I watch many of your videos and I firmly believe you are the son of John Lennon. 😎

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha..my mum went to art college with him… so you never know!! 😂 🪲 although when I was born he was firmly settled across the pond.

[@MOOTANT1]

@@StarskyCarr . Like Bruce Lee, Lennon was also initiated into MI6 as a super secret agent and was often back In Liverpool on super secret missions. Nice try Lennon..😏

[@StarskyCarr]

@@MOOTANT1 🤵‍♂️

[@lars-fenin]

303 was (is) more than acid.... aphex twin, phuture, slimboy fat... etc.. etc

[@MrTanukiD]

Oh believe me it lasted a whole lot longer than 18 months. I was there on the dancefloor. Well, warehouse floor but....

[@Deepwatermusic]

I don’t know. Their digital pianos have been really problematic.

[@jonnyhead]

I mean why?? Novation bass station II second hand around 230 quid, This doesn't even come close.

[@pehierre]

good review, i wont buy it

[@KingzofSwing]

Nah

[@potaxpotax]

errrrr that is NOT a donk, my friend

[@StarskyCarr]

haha err..well..the thing is...err... its as donk as it gets! At least I didn't say it was a cowbell.

[@potaxpotax]

@@StarskyCarr haha fair enough! idea for a video, though: ways to make a donk.

[@electrosonicnebula]

I've been forced through repeated watching of that funny intro to notice that the king's chair actually has gemstones in it (diamonds?). How preposterous elitist and offensive is that? No so different than the crown itself of course. A fascist regime that's also tacky and ostentatious. I can't believe the popularity of the royal house is at an all time high when the sheer injustice, inequality and legalized kleptocracy it stands for is right now more obvious than ever. In the 90s, the days of Acid, even the right were anti-monarchy since the Economist had a cover saying its time was over and the antichrist Liz Truss was making speeches against it. The monarchy meant to "bring civilization" to "lesser" cultures but has always been the quintessential manifestation of barbarism. Huh, sorry, I've randomly allowed my opinions to resonate unfiltered.

[@StarskyCarr]

I'm from Liverpool... we don't get it here either! all very strange.

[@electrosonicnebula]

@@StarskyCarr That makes sense with the nice accent.

[@YoungNino2017]

I'm thinking of trying one of these... however from what I hear the slides don't sound good and you can't put notes at different octaves like on a 303